Divan van Wyk’s unbeaten century led the way as the Sunfoil Dolphins made a steady start to their Sunfoil Series encounter against the Chevrolet Knights at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday.

A day after celebrating his 30th birthday, Van Wyk batted through the 96 overs to register his 16th first-class century and go to stumps on 109 not out, as the Dolphins reached 240 for three.

The left-hander shared a 76-run opening stand with Imraan Khan after the Dolphins had won the toss and elected to bat, before Khan was caught off the bowling of Werner Coetsee for 48.

After Khaya Zondo was trapped lbw by Quinton Friend without scoring in the next over, Van Wyk and Cody Chetty dug in, adding just 28 to the total in 16 overs as the Knights bowlers gave nothing away.

When Chetty was dismissed by Shadley van Schalkwyk for 21 to leave the Dolphins 105 for three the Knights had their noses in front, but Daryn Smit joined Van Wyk in a patient stand that saw the Dolphins through to stumps.

Eager to ensure that the hosts did not miss out on the opportunity to post a solid first-innings total, the pair took no risks and scored at just 2.6 runs per over during the second half of the day.

Van Wyk took 272 balls for his innings, while Smit went to stumps on 60 not out from 166 deliveries.

Van Schalkwyk was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1 for 40 in 18 overs.